Math 143 C/E, Spring 2001
IPS Reading Questions
Chapter 2, Section 7
Of course, I can only suggest some answers here, not give the definitive one. That is left to each individual Christian (you!). The Christian scientist who conducts the experiments (both in the drug-approval stage and in the establishment-of-a-risk stage) needs to conduct her study in a manner as free from bias as possible, choose her subjects in an established valid manner and from the population appropriately considered for the question (e.g., if we want to establish the safety of a drug for pregnant women and their children then our subjects should not be adult males), and be completely open in reporting the findings of the study along with how the study was conducted, even if those findings are different than what was hoped at the outset. The Christian businessman must be guided by more than the financial bottom line or pride. If a study shows his product to be unsafe, he should consider the impartiality of the source (perhaps getting expert advice from impartial statisticians on the validity of the study) and his actions should reflect God's love for humanity. Advice for the private citizen is in high demand, but it is not so easy to give. Suffice it to say that from those of us who have more knowledge of the statistical process more is required. We must act out of a sense of justice, but remembering our fallen state and our need for God's grace.